2026 How to Become a Physical Education Teacher in Kentucky

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Kentucky offers a promising path for those wanting to become physical education teachers. With over 2,500 schools employing P.E. teachers statewide, demand for qualified professionals remains steady. Plus, the average salary in Kentucky for physical educators is competitive compared to neighboring states, making the career not only rewarding but financially viable. This steady growth, combined with an emphasis on student health and fitness, means opportunities are ripe for those passionate about teaching movement and wellness.

This article, crafted by career planning experts, walks you through how to become a physical education teacher in Kentucky. It covers essential steps, certification requirements, and practical tips to help you navigate the process smoothly and confidently.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a Physical Education Teacher in Kentucky

• Get a bachelor's degree in physical education or a related field from an accredited college, which is the first step to qualify for teaching in Kentucky public schools.
• Complete a teacher preparation program approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) that includes student teaching experience to gain hands-on practice.
• Pass the Praxis exams required by Kentucky for physical education, and apply for state certification, keeping in mind that PE teachers are in demand due to Kentucky’s emphasis on active, healthy lifestyles in schools.

Table of Contents

1. What are the education requirements to become a physical education teacher in Kentucky?
2. What skills are essential for physical education teachers in Kentucky?
3. Do PE teachers in Kentucky need a teaching license?
4. How do you get certified as a PE teacher in Kentucky?
5. Can out-of-state teachers transfer their license to Kentucky for PE teaching?
6. How long does it take to become a PE teacher in Kentucky?
7. How much does it cost to become a PE teacher in Kentucky?
8. Are there scholarships for physical education teaching students in Kentucky?
9. Is there demand for physical education teachers in Kentucky?
10. What is the average salary of a PE teacher in Kentucky?
11. What challenges do physical education teachers in Kentucky face?

What are the education requirements to become a physical education teacher in Kentucky?

Getting ready to become a physical education teacher in Kentucky means more than just loving sports and fitness. Formal education plays a big role in making sure you can design effective PE programs that really support student wellness and encourage lifelong healthy habits. Plus, it helps you meet the state’s academic standards and be ready for the classroom challenges ahead.

Here’s a quick look at the typical education requirements to start your journey as a Kentucky PE teacher:

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education or a Related Field: You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree focusing on physical education, kinesiology, exercise science, or something similar. These programs cover everything from sports and fitness to teaching techniques and health education.
• Complete a State-Approved Educator Preparation Program: This step usually comes alongside your bachelor’s degree or as an additional post-baccalaureate program. It mixes classroom learning with hands-on student teaching experience so you’re ready to lead a PE class.
• Meet Minimum GPA Requirements: Most programs ask for a GPA of at least 2.5 overall or a 3.0 in your final coursework. Some schools, like Kentucky State University, might require higher grades for certain courses.
• Participate in Field Experiences: Expect to spend time observing and helping in real physical education classes, typically around 25 hours or more. This practical experience is key to understanding how schools operate and how to engage students.
• Develop Core Professional Competencies: Beyond skills, you’ll need to show you can think critically, communicate well, work with others, and create inclusive, supportive class environments.

If you’re also curious about the associate degree in education cost, that can be a helpful starting point before moving on to a bachelor’s degree focused on PE or kinesiology.

What skills are essential for physical education teachers in Kentucky?

To connect with students and help them build healthy habits, physical education teachers in Kentucky need to have more than just coaching techniques. They must skillfully manage a range of personalities and learning styles while promoting physical activity and teamwork. Mastering essential physical education teacher skills in Kentucky equips educators to create positive experiences that stick with students for life.

Here are some key abilities that make a real difference:

• Communication: Being able to explain rules clearly, demonstrate skills, and offer constructive feedback is a must. Great communication also means encouraging students to work together and resolve conflicts, which helps build social and motor skills for Kentucky PE teachers that go beyond the gym.
• Leadership: A PE teacher’s role includes inspiring students to set goals and showing healthy behaviors by example. Leadership means creating a respectful and supportive environment where kids feel motivated to participate and take initiative in group activities.
• Adaptability: Every group of students is different, so PE teachers must be flexible, ready to adjust activities for varying abilities and cultural backgrounds. This skill ensures everyone can join in meaningfully, whether in a big city gym or a rural playground.
• Knowledge of Fitness and Health: Knowing the ins and outs of fitness, nutrition, and safety is critical. PE teachers help students understand how to keep active and make smart food choices for lifelong wellness. Staying updated with new information in health and education supports this effort.

If you’re interested in exploring educational paths related to teaching, checking out the rankings of the best online bachelors degrees in special education may also give useful insights into the broader field of education.

Do PE teachers in Kentucky need a teaching license?

Licensing rules help make sure every PE teacher in Kentucky brings the right skills and knowledge to the gym and the classroom. This keeps teaching quality steady across schools and supports students in getting the best experience possible.

In public schools, having a state-issued teaching license is non-negotiable for PE teachers. You typically need a bachelor’s degree focused on physical education or to pass subject-specific tests like the Praxis II if your degree is in something else. Besides coursework, getting licensed also means completing a teacher prep program that includes hands-on student teaching.

You’ll then take official exams and apply through Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board. Even alternative routes lead to the same state license, making sure all public school PE teachers are held to a solid, consistent standard.

Private, charter, and other non-public schools aren’t bound by state license rules as strictly. These schools might accept candidates with relevant degrees or professional experience without the formal license. For example, Kentucky’s Adjunct Instructor Certification gives some room to teach PE with a bachelor’s degree and experience, even without traditional teacher prep.

This flexibility means career options vary widely depending on where you want to work—public schools need that official license, but private and charter schools can open doors for those with unique backgrounds or expertise outside the usual path.

How do you get certified as a PE teacher in Kentucky?

Getting certified as a physical education teacher in Kentucky is a key step to make sure you’re fully ready to help students stay active, healthy, and confident. This certification confirms you have the right training, knowledge, and skills to teach PE effectively while meeting state standards.

Here’s a straightforward rundown of what you need to do:

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field from an accredited college. Coursework typically covers exercise science, teaching methods, and adapted physical education. Maintaining a solid GPA, usually around 2.5 overall or 3.0 in recent courses, is important.
• Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program: This program blends classroom learning with real teaching practice. Kentucky offers several approved programs where you’ll gain hands-on experience through supervised student teaching.
• Pass Required State Exams: You must pass specific Praxis exams, including the Physical Education Content and Design test and a Principles of Learning and Teaching exam. Some candidates also need to clear the Praxis Core exams focusing on reading, writing, and math.
• Apply for State Certification: After fulfilling education and testing requirements, submit your application to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. This includes your transcripts, test scores, proof of preparation, and a $50 fee.
• Consider Alternative Certification Routes: If you have strong work experience or advanced degrees, Kentucky offers alternative paths like Exceptional Work Experience Certification, which may come with different criteria and requirements.

When I talked with a PE teacher from Kentucky who graduated from a local school, he shared how the certification journey felt both challenging and rewarding. “Balancing the coursework with student teaching was definitely tough, especially putting classroom theories into practice,” he said. He found the Praxis exams stressful but appreciated how they ensured he really knew his stuff before stepping into a gym with students.

The application process felt detailed but straightforward; gathering all the paperwork and paying the fee marked the moment everything came together. He reflected, “That certification wasn’t just a piece of paper—it felt like my official welcome into the teaching community here. All the hard work was worth it knowing I could make a difference in kids’ lives.” His experience shows that while the path may seem demanding, it’s designed to prepare you well for the role.

Can out-of-state teachers transfer their license to Kentucky for PE teaching?

Kentucky does offer conditional license reciprocity for out-of-state teachers, including those wanting to teach physical education, but it’s not a simple, automatic transfer. The state participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which helps with transferring licenses, but every application is reviewed individually.

To qualify, you must have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program from an accredited school—just passing a test elsewhere won’t cut it. Besides that, you’ll usually need to meet Kentucky’s additional requirements like a minimum GPA and passing scores on their PRAXIS exams.

There’s a helpful exception though: if you’ve already taught full-time for at least two years in the same subject and grade level as your certificate (like PE), you get a pass on the PRAXIS testing. If not, expect to take those exams. Sometimes, you might also need to take extra courses, such as a content literacy class or other Kentucky-specific training, before you can get a full standard certificate.

For physical education teachers who are experienced, this process can be pretty straightforward, especially if you meet the two-year teaching experience rule—this waiver on the PRAXIS tests speeds things up. But if you’re newer to teaching or earned your credentials through alternative routes or just tests, it can get complicated.

You might face extra testing and coursework, which can slow down your ability to start teaching in Kentucky. This means more time and money before you can get in front of your students. These rules make sure PE teachers maintain solid teaching standards while moving to Kentucky but can be a real hurdle, especially if you’re switching states expecting an easy license transfer. Knowing this ahead of time helps you plan and avoid surprises in your transition.

How long does it take to become a PE teacher in Kentucky?

The time it takes to meet the PE teacher education requirements in Kentucky can vary quite a bit, depending on your chosen degree path, certification steps, and how much hands‑on teaching experience you manage to get during your studies. Generally, most folks follow a fairly straightforward timeline, but alternative routes can add some extra time.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education (4 years): This is the usual starting point where you spend about four years earning a degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field. Many programs include teacher prep courses within the degree and sometimes require a minor to round out your education.
• Educator Preparation Program and Student Teaching (final 1–2 semesters): During your degree, specifically in the last one or two semesters, you’ll complete a state-approved educator program that includes coursework plus student teaching or supervised fieldwork to get practical classroom experience.
• Pass Required PRAXIS Exams (several months): Before you can get certified, you’ll need to pass the PRAXIS exams relevant to physical education and teaching principles. Preparing and scheduling these tests might add a few months depending on how ready you feel and test center schedules.
• Apply for Kentucky PE Teacher Certification (1–2 months): After finishing your education and exams, applying for certification involves submitting paperwork to the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board. The review process takes about one to two months while they verify everything.
• Optional Alternative Routes (1–2 additional years): If you have previous experience or choose an alternative certification path, expect around one to two more years completing specialized coursework and fulfilling testing and field requirements.

So, when thinking about how many years to become a physical education teacher in Kentucky, most traditional routes take about four to five years total. If you want to explore your options or learn more about what are the most affordable online education degrees, plenty of resources can guide you through your best path forward.

How much does it cost to become a PE teacher in Kentucky?

Becoming a physical education teacher in Kentucky involves some key expenses that can add up, including tuition, testing fees, and certification costs. These expenses vary depending on your chosen path, whether you stick to a traditional degree route or opt for an alternative certification program.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main costs you should keep in mind when budgeting for your journey.

• Bachelor’s Degree Tuition: To teach PE, you need at least a bachelor’s degree. For in-state students, public universities in Kentucky charge around $10,000 to $12,000 per year, totaling roughly $40,000 to $48,000 for four years. Private colleges may run higher, and if you’re eyeing a master’s degree, some programs like Campbellsville University’s offer online options at about $324 per credit hour.
• PE Teacher Preparation Program Fees: If you go the traditional route, many fees are wrapped into your tuition. But alternative certification programs, like the iteach program, come with their own costs totaling around $4,949, with manageable monthly payments available.
• Licensing and Exam Fees: Passing the required Praxis exams is a must, with prices varying by test—expect to pay about $156 for the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam. Certification applications typically add another $50 to $85 to your expenses.
• Additional Costs: Don't forget about books and supplies, which can be $1,000 to $2,000 over your course of study. Background checks are also necessary and usually cost between $30 and $50. Other small fees like transcript requests can also sneak in.

For those thinking about continuing their education, it’s worth exploring options like the masters in library science online cost to get an idea of affordable online graduate degrees that might complement your teaching career down the line.

Are there scholarships for physical education teaching students in Kentucky?

Paying for college can be a big hurdle for future physical education teachers in Kentucky, but luckily, plenty of scholarships and financial aid options make it easier. These programs help cover tuition, fees, and even offer loan forgiveness to lighten the load as students work on their teaching credentials.

• Kentucky Teacher Scholarship Program: Offers up to $3,000 per semester, but you have to teach in a Kentucky public or certified school to keep the funds.
• Teacher Recruitment Loan Program: Forgivable loans up to $5,000 per semester that require teaching in the state to avoid repayment.
• Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA): The gateway to many state and federal grants, loans, and work-study programs available to education students.
• Institutional Scholarships: Many universities, like the University of Louisville, provide scholarships specifically for education majors with set GPA requirements.
• Loan Forgiveness Programs: Include federal options that reduce debt for teachers working in underserved schools and shortage areas.

A PE teacher from Kentucky shared how integral scholarships were during her journey. She graduated from a local public high school and remembered feeling overwhelmed by college costs. “Applying for the state’s Teacher Scholarship was a game changer—I could focus on my studies without nonstop financial stress,” she said.

The requirement to teach in a Kentucky school felt fair since she was committed to giving back to her community. Plus, she received additional support through university scholarships that helped pay for books and fees. It wasn’t always easy, but those funds made the path to becoming a PE teacher much clearer and more attainable.”

Is there demand for physical education teachers in Kentucky?

The demand for physical education teachers in Kentucky is shaped by several factors like rising school enrollment, state health programs, and the wave of retirements among current educators. These elements combine to keep the need for qualified teachers strong, especially as schools aim to boost student wellness and meet educational benchmarks. Physical education teachers play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, which aligns with the state’s health initiatives and growing awareness around student health.

When looking at where demand is strongest, public schools lead the way with numerous openings across districts like Bullitt County, Fayette County, and Jefferson County. While private schools also hire physical education teachers, the volume tends to be lower there compared to public institutions. Underserved districts, which frequently struggle to attract and retain staff, present particular opportunities for teachers willing to work in those challenging settings.

Although detailed projections for physical education teacher job growth in Kentucky are limited, data shows a robust market with many physical education teacher job openings in Kentucky—currently around 281 positions statewide. If you’re wondering is teaching degree easy, this steady demand could make pursuing this career path more accessible and rewarding.

What is the average salary of a PE teacher in Kentucky?

If you’re thinking about becoming a physical education (PE) teacher in Kentucky, it’s helpful to know how the pay stacks up. Salary matters because it impacts your financial stability, job satisfaction, and long-term career growth.

Here are the main factors that affect PE teacher earnings in Kentucky:

• Years of Experience: Starting salaries can be as low as $38,090, but more experienced teachers can earn up to $114,420, showing how time on the job really pays off.
• Education Level: Teachers with advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctorate often see higher salaries, encouraging ongoing education and professional development.
• School Type (Public vs. Private): Public schools typically offer higher pay and better benefits compared to private schools, which may have smaller class sizes but lower salaries.
• Geographic Location: Urban districts like Louisville and Lexington usually pay more due to higher living costs and greater funding than rural areas.

The salary for PE teachers in Kentucky reflects both the commitment required and the rewarding nature of the job. With multiple factors influencing pay, dedicated teachers can build a strong and stable career in the state.

What challenges do physical education teachers in Kentucky face?

Physical education teachers in Kentucky encounter multifaceted challenges that extend beyond classroom instruction. They often have to adapt to limited budgets while ensuring safe, well-equipped environments for active learning. Navigating evolving curriculum standards and meeting diverse student needs requires continual adjustment and resilience. Additionally, balancing administrative expectations with community and parental pressures can add to the professional strain. Prospective educators should understand the time commitments associated with overcoming these challenges and establishing a sustainable career path, as detailed in how long does it take to become a teacher in Kentucky.

What Do Physical Education Teachers in Kentucky Say About Their Career?

• Completing my PE certification at Lexington Sports Academy opened doors I hadn’t even imagined in education. Starting my career in a local school here in Kentucky gave me the chance to integrate the state’s rich outdoor culture into my teaching, which truly engages my students. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see kids embrace physical activity as a lifelong habit and watch their confidence grow throughout the school year. Kentucky’s commitment to supporting teachers through professional development has also helped me expand my skills and advance in my role. I’m proud to be contributing to healthier futures in my community. Gian
• After finishing my program at Bluegrass Academy, stepping into my first position as a PE teacher in a local Kentucky school felt both challenging and rewarding. The blend of rural and suburban environments means every day is different, and I’ve learned to adapt lessons that meet diverse student needs while embracing Kentucky’s unique cultural heritage. Teaching here has enriched me personally, connecting me deeply with families and fostering a strong sense of community pride. The job stability and clear career paths in Kentucky schools give me confidence to grow further in education. Bryce
• My time completing physical education training at River Valley Institute equipped me with the skills to thrive starting my teaching career in a local school in Kentucky. The support from colleagues and access to excellent resources helped me feel well-prepared to foster inclusivity and care for students’ physical and mental wellness. I appreciate how Kentucky values the role of PE teachers in shaping well-rounded students and offers continuous professional development, which keeps me motivated and connected to best practices. Being part of student growth in this state is a genuinely rewarding experience. Corey

References:

• Educator Certification - Kentucky Department of Education https://education.ky.gov/epsb/Pages/Educator-Certification.aspx
• Endorsements - Go Teach KY https://goteachky.com/resources/certification/endorsements/
• EPSB hears recommendations for new teacher certification grade bands – Kentucky Teacher https://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2025/06/epsb-hears-recommendations-for-new-teacher-certification-grade-bands/
• Certification Requirements - Bell County School District https://www.bell.kyschools.us/district0/employment/application-requirements-and-documents/certification-requirements
• Physical education teacher salary in Kentucky ‐ CareerExplorer https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/physical-education-teacher/salary/kentucky/
• PE Teacher Salary | Physical Education Teacher Salary https://www.peteacheredu.org/salaries/
• Physical Education Teacher (PE Teacher) Salary in Kentucky, United States (2025) - SalaryExpert https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/physical-education-teacher-pe-teacher/united-states/kentucky
• Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology - Physical Education Teacher Education | University of Kentucky https://academics.uky.edu/programs/bachelors/kinesiology-physical-education-teacher-education
• Physical Education (Teaching Certification): Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region https://www.nku.edu/academics/chhs/programs/undergraduate/physicaleducation.html
• Best Value Colleges for Physical Education Teaching & Coaching (Income $48-$75k) in Kentucky - College Factual https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/physical-education-teaching-and-coaching/rankings/best-value-avg-aid-income3/southeast/kentucky/

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